How To Clean Suede Shoes In 6 Easy Steps

When I first started looking into how to clean suede shoes, I was surprised to learn you’re not supposed to use water! Water can leave spots or even stains on suede, or at least alter the appearance enough that it looks and feels stained, so cleaning suede properly (much like cleaning leather properly) requires some special care. 

In this post, you’ll learn how to clean suede shoes, boots, bags and other items in 6 easy steps. You’ll need a couple of special tools, so I recommend getting a suede cleaning kit that includes a suede brush and eraser. (Tools designed for cleaning suede will give you the best results, but even a toothbrush and pencil eraser can work in a pinch!)

I’ve outlined my simple step-by-step process for cleaning suede shoes for you below, but you can use the same method to clean suede bags, hats, and other items. Give this method a try and get your suede shoes looking like new!

How To Clean Suede Shoes 

To clean lightly soiled suede shoes, brush the surface of the shoe firmly with a suede brush, then use a suede eraser to remove dirt and light stains. For heavier stains on suede, dip a cloth in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then gently rub the stain in a circular motion before letting the area dry completely. Finally, use a suede brush to fluff the fabric back up and brush away loosened dirt.

For the complete step-by-step tutorial, read on!

Tools & Supplies

• Suede eraser
• Suede brush 
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• Clean cloth or towel
• Shaving razor

1. Use A Suede Brush To Remove Surface Dirt

Start by gently brushing the surface of the shoes in one direction to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the fibers. Then brush again using a back and forth motion, and with a little more force in order to remove any dirt that may be deeper in the fabric.

If your suede footwear isn’t too dirty, this may be all you need to do to!

2. Use A Suede Eraser On Light Stains And Marks

If there are scuff marks, spots, or stains still visible on the suede after brushing it, grab a suede eraser (or one of those pink pencil erasers, if that’s all you have handy).

Rub the eraser on the stains, and don’t be afraid to apply some pressure! Keep rubbing until the marks and stains are gone — this could take a few minutes, so be patient! (It could be a bit messy as well, so you may want to do this outside or over a towel.)

3. Treat Stubborn Stains With Vinegar Or Alcohol

If there are still visible stains or marks on your suede shoes at this point, don’t fret! Pour a small amount of distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth, then gently rub the suede that’s stained or marked. Let the dampened areas dry completely, then use your suede brush to remove any loosened dirt or grime.

By the way, even if you only use vinegar for cleaning suede, don’t be afraid to keep that bottle around forever, because vinegar won’t expire and doesn’t go bad.

4. Use A Razor On Stringy Areas

All that brushing and erasing to removing dirt and stains can leave suede fabric looking a bit stringy after a while. Luckily, you can take care of those in a snap with a cheap, disposable shaving razor. Run the razor over stringy areas to scrape off any longer threads, then use your brush to brush them away.

5. Brush Again To Revive The Velvety Texture

Freshly cleaned suede can look a bit dull or feel a little stiff, but it’s nothing a bit of vinegar or alcohol can’t fix! Dampen a clean cloth with vinegar or alcohol, then use it to lightly dampen the suede surface of your shoes. Allow the fabric to dry, then fluff up the fabric one last time using the brush for suede that looks clean and lustrous and feels like a dream.

6. Apply A Suede Protector

To protect your suede shoes (and ensure the time you spent cleaning them doesn’t go to waste), consider treating them with a suede protector spray. Suede protectants are fairly affordable, readily available online, and generally easy to apply — just follow the directions included on the packaging. This extra step will not only keep your suede shoes clean longer, but they’ll be easier to clean down the road too!

Helpful Tips For Removing Stubborn Stains

The steps outlined above will take care of most stains, but some stains are just harder to remove than others. The tips below can help you remove stains that require special care. (If you don’t want to risk damaging your suede shoes, consider taking them into a shoe repair shop for a professional cleaning.)

Water Stains

While you should avoid cleaning suede with water in most cases, it’s surprisingly helpful for removing water spots left by rain or sprinklers. Start by using a brush or toothbrush dampened with water to lightly wet the water stains. Blot the damp suede with a paper towel to absorb as much excess water as possible, then let it dry overnight (out of direct sunlight), brush, and repeat the process if neccesary.

Dealing with salt water stains? Use the same method I just described, but with vinegar rather than water. Vinegar is great at dissolving deposits from salt and other minerals!

Oil Or Grease

Spilled oil or grease on your shoes? Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch, which is excellent at absorbing oil, and be generous with it! Let the cornstarch sit on the suede overnight, then brush off the powder in the morning.

If you’re dealing with really stubborn grease stains that won’t budge, reach for a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn as a last resort. Apply a very small amount of dish soap (a drop or less) to the oily stain with your finger, then blot the area with a clean, damp cloth until the stain is gone and all the soap has been removed. Let the area dry, then brush well.

Mud

Stepped in mud? Let the mud dry, then use your fingers to remove as much of the dried mud as you can. Use a suede brush to remove the remainder of the dirt.

Wax Or Gum

To remove gum or any waxy substance from suede, put the item in your freezer until the wax or gum hardens. Break off the hardened wax, then brush away any remaining particles.

Blood

Pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel or cotton ball, then lightly dab at the blood stain until you’ve lifted it all out of the fabric.

Ink

Use a paper towel to absorb any ink that’s still wet, then carefully rub away the stain using a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. The earlier you treat them, the better, but keep in mind that some ink stains may be impossible to remove entirely.

How To Keep Suede Looking New

Finally, here are a few bonus tips that will help you keep your suede shoes, boots, and bags in great condition over time:

• Apply a water-resistant suede protector (see Step 6 above) and reapply as needed.
• Check new clothes for colorfastness before wearing them with suede shoes to avoid dye transfer.
• Store suede items in a cloth bag or box to protect them from dust.
• Use a pool noodle to prevent tall boots from forming permanent folds or creases.
• If you find yourself cleaning suede items frequently, investing in a special suede shampoo could be a smart move!

How often do you clean suede items?